2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E attempted to bridge the gap between traditional Mustang styling and modern electric vehicle design. Despite its four-door configuration and rear hatch, the Mach-E retained a Mustang-like appearance with its thin headlights, elongated hood, and large oval grille, albeit non-functional. The taillights mirrored the original Mustang's design, complete with sequential turn signals. A vibrant exterior colour palette, including the striking Grabber Blue, further emphasized its Mustang heritage. Inside, the Mach-E featured a minimalist design dominated by a large infotainment touchscreen, reminiscent of Tesla's approach. The interior materials were of decent quality, though some buyers might have been disappointed by the absence of a leather-upholstery option, even in higher trims. The First Edition models offered unique trim elements, such as red brake calipers and brushed aluminum pedals, distinguishing them from other variants.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling cues. Toyota's commitment to the minivan segment was evident in the Sienna's evolution, with the latest generation launched in 2021. The Sienna's design featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a more assertive stance. The interior was designed with family needs in mind, offering ample storage and seating flexibility. The second-row seats could slide significantly, facilitating easy access to the third row. The Sienna's interior was spacious, with a standard 60/40-split third-row bench that folded into the floor, providing generous cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate added convenience, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was designed to deliver a sporty driving experience, living up to the Mustang name. It came standard with rear-wheel drive (RWD) and offered a range of powertrain configurations. The base RWD Select model produced 266 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. The most powerful variant, the AWD GT Performance Edition, boasted 480 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds. Our test car featured a mid-level AWD powertrain with 346 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, completing the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 5.1 seconds. The Mach-E's handling was commendable, with responsive steering and a low-mounted battery pack providing a planted feel. However, the taut suspension and 19-inch wheels compromised ride quality. The Mach-E offered three drive modes—Engage, Whisper, and Unbridled—along with the option for one-pedal driving and customizable braking feel.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna continued with its hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available on most trims. The AWD system added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, enhancing traction without mechanical complexity. The Sienna utilized an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) for smooth power delivery and improved fuel efficiency. It offered four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, thanks to its TNGA platform and independent rear suspension. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with FWD models achieving 6.6 L/100 km in city driving and 6.5 L/100 km on the highway. The Sienna's hybrid battery pack was located under the front seats, covered by a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E was marketed as an SUV, but its design leaned more towards a station wagon or hatchback. The driving position was relatively low, and the low roofline limited the sense of spaciousness, even with a panoramic glass roof. Compared to the Tesla Model Y, the Mach-E offered less interior space, with the Model Y providing more headroom and legroom. The Mach-E's cargo space measured 1,690 litres with the second row folded and 840 litres with it in place. It also featured a 133-litre front trunk (frunk). The interior included a storage bin between the front seats, a flat area for smartphones, a wireless charging pad, and USB ports for both rows.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was designed as a family workhorse, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, with measurements of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna had a maximum towing capacity of 1,585 kilograms (3,500 pounds). The third-row bench folded into the floor, and each row offered storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, enhanced convenience for busy families.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured Ford's new Sync 4 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and over-the-air software updates. The main infotainment touchscreen measured 15.5 inches, while the instrument cluster was 10.2 inches. A six-speaker audio system was standard, with higher trims receiving a nine-speaker B&O by Bang & Olufsen sound system. The touchscreen's design was text-heavy, with large blocks of text making it challenging to navigate. The bottom of the screen replaced analog controls, with a volume knob and touchscreen icons for climate control.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. However, it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Sienna included a one-year trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect telematics services, along with an 8-year trial of Service Connect. Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming were standard, with Qi wireless phone charging available on higher trims. Audio systems ranged from a six-speaker setup to a 12-speaker JBL system. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available on select trims. The Sienna also offered a digital rearview mirror and remote keyless entry with push-button start.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with top crash-test ratings but some deductions for headlights and LATCH ease of use. Standard driver-assist features included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Mach-E was set to receive Active Drive Assist, enabling automated driving on designated highways, with a driver-facing camera for monitoring distraction.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, pre-collision system, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system. Tire-pressure monitoring and an inflator kit were standard, with an optional spare tire.